FLAT TRACK DAY 2: CULTIVATING THE PHILIPPINE DIRT TRACK CULTURE

It has almost been a century since flat track racing was brought upon into the motorcycle sporting world. Back around late 1920’s to early 30’s when AMA or the American Motorcycle Association created a unique way to experience motorcycle racing. AMA revolutionized the concept of speedway racing and introduced the first flat track racing in the scene. This created a culture of its own and branched out a new passion for building custom-built bikes that they use inside the track. Utilizing the right amount of speed and mixing it with the ability to maneuver a two-wheeled vehicle around an oval circuit. This is the only formula that has been applied repeatedly by every flat track racer.

Last August 29, 2016 the MX Messiah Fairgrounds in San Juan, Taytay Rizal was swarmed by motorcycle enthusiasts and professional racersfor the Flat Track Day 2 event. Everyone was excited to take part in reviving the classic motorcycle racing culture once again. Hosted by some of the most influential men in the ‘moto’ scene, Mel Aquino, Brando Rosales, Spike Maguigad, Sam Tamayo and CRP’s very own Michael Eijansantos collaborated in this exhilarating yet fun-filled event.

A follow up from Keep It Dirty event that has pioneered the flat track racing scene in the Philippines,Flat Track Day 2 is the second installment to the Flat Track racing event series that is open to a wider range of racing classifications. Unlike Keep It Dirty which focused mainly on custom-built bikes, the event offered an array of categories that suited most of available motorcycle types and racers of any skill-level. Even young riders made their way and experienced the fun of competing inside a flat track.

Some of the categories presented are Open Scooter, Open Underbone, Open Local Enduro and the heart-pumping Open Production category that featured professional track racers such as Glenn Aguilar and his son Mclean Aguilar.

Circuit pro rider Arlan Dela Cruz racing for the first time in flat track.Underbone women’s categorySkygo Pony 100 for the small bike category11x Motocross champion Glen Aguilar first time racing in flat track oval race.

Yamaha Riders Clinic Kids division

Mr. Glen Aguilar taking on his first flat track race victory.

Decades have passed by but the game and its rules have remained true to its core. The flat track racing has sustained its purpose; encouraging everyone to simply have fun and enjoy the healthy-competitive energy that the race offers.

Flat Track Day 2 has supported the flat track racing scene and its growth effectively in the country. This event series is a great aid in spreading awareness that this iconic motorcycle competition will continue to live on.

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Words by Alwyn Uytingco

Photos by Michael Eijansantos and Alwyn Uytingco

READ: All Fun and Dirty! The First Philippine Flat Track Racing Event and Clinic Finally Kicks-Off